C.S.

Thanks. Will try it with the next WON or F4W issue. I had problems with it before because of the paywall, but to be fair, that was years ago.

They are probably going to a Collection Playlist of Bobby's WWF stuff instead since they done it for people that have passed away this year. I know, I just hope it isn't a bunch of Prime Time skits and weasel suit matches against the Warrior. Just released: Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Collection on WWE Network No one put the entertainment in sports-entertainment quite like Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Affectionately known as "The Weasel," Heenan is regarded by many as the greatest manager of all time. Certainly no "ham and egger," Heenan was "The Brain" behind some of the most prolific Superstars in WWE history – none bigger than the "Eighth Wonder of the World," Andre The Giant. When Heenan wasn't leading WWE Hall of Famers "straight to the top," the self-proclaimed broadcast journalist was wielding his sarcastic wit alongside longtime friend and comedic foil, Gorilla Monsoon. Relive all the great moments and celebrate over four decades of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan with this WWE Network Collection. Contents * Intro: Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Tribute Package * Bobby Heenan calls himself "The Brain" for the first time * Battle of the Managers * Weasel Suit Match: Bobby Heenan vs. Greg Gagne * Hulk Hogan vs. Bockwinkel & Bobby Heenan * Bobby Heenan "I am not a Weasel" interview * "$15,000 Slam Match": Andre the Giant vs. Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) * Andre aligns with Heenan; Contract signing prior to WrestleMania III * Bobby Heenan - Andre the Giant Interview / WrestleMania III - Hogan vs. Andre the Giant * Vignettes: Bobby and Gorilla in Atlantic City * WrestleMania IV - Heenan and Islanders vs. Koko and The British Bulldogs * Vignettes: Bobby and Gorilla on a Boat * Weasel Suit Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Bobby Heenan * Vignettes: Western Movie Set * Brookyln Brawler Debuts and attacks Red Rooster/WrestleMania V - Heenan vs. Red Rooster * The Bobby Heenan Show, Episode #1 * Bobby Heenan introduces the Narcissist * Survivor Series 1993: The Knights vs. The Harts * Bobby Heenan tries to sneak into Raw * WrestleMania X-7: Gimmick Battle Royal * Bobby Heenan WWE Hall of Fame Speech http://wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2017/0922/632431/bobby-heenan-wwe-network-collection-announced/

I re-subbed to Observer for at least one month. THREE obits in the latest issue: Bobby Heenan (with more to come next week), Otto Wanz, and Ruben Juarez (Northern Express in Mexico and “The Giant Killer” in the United States). I think every WON reader knows how sad that is while also being something to look forward to from Meltzer. As odd/morbid as that sounds, obits are the best thing he writes. That insane bit about betting on star ratings is also in the issue. As weird/wacky as the stupid $10.99 price is, seeing "1 Hour and 49 minutes left in this book" on my Kindle is impressive - each issue really is the size of a small book. Even with all of the useless filler (MMA crap, show recaps that are already outdated by the time they're in the WON, etc.), there's still a ton of content. BTW, any tips for sending issues of the Observer to a Kindle easily? I remember the "Send to Kindle" add-on not working in the past because of the paywall. Right now I just copy and paste the issue to a doc file and e-mail that to my Kindle. Crude but it works. Is there an easier way though?

From a new WWE Network survey: WWE is considering adding new programming to WWE Network as part of a premium priced tier. Listed below are some potential new programming ideas. Please let us know how interested you are in each of the ideas. Select whether you are extremely, very, moderately, somewhat or not at all interested in each of the ideas. Original Scripted Comedies: Comedies such as WWE Superstar Roasts, Southpaw Regional Wrestling, or WWE’s version of “The Office” Original Scripted Dramas: Wrestling-themed series inspired by wrestling’s colorful and rich history such as WWE’s version of Game of Thrones Local Tournaments: Tournaments that take place in your home country featuring local talent similar to the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament which took place in England this year House Shows: For the first time ever, get a live, ringside view of select WWE house shows TNA: Historic and new programming from TNA / Impact / Global Force Wrestling Tournaments: New in-ring tournaments such as a Pro Am style tournament (WWE vs. NXT), a Lucha tournament, a tag team tournament, or King / Queen of the Ring tournaments Ring of Honor: Historic and new programming from Ring of Honor TV-14 In-Ring Show: A “new” weekly version of ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) or other “edgy” new promotion rated TV-14 Special Live Events: Special one-time live events from unique locations around the world featuring an unexpected main event New Reality Shows: Reality shows featuring life on the road for WWE Superstars, an insider’s view of WWE Superstars’ intense training and workout regimens, WWE Superstar “Cribs”, WWE-style “Apprentice” to win a job at WWE, or WWE Legends’ House Season 2 – Attitude Era Audio Channel: A section of WWE Network for “listening only” that provides audio play-by-play of pay-per-views, music playlists, “sports radio” style call-in shows and podcasts WWE “Director’s Cut”: Shows that put a new twist on classic content such as WWE Legends narrating historic pay-per-views or current WWE Superstars providing their perspective and analysis of classic matches and events Other Promotions: Historic and new programming from ICW, PROGRESS, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, or other regional Indie promotions WWE is considering special features that may be available to WWE Network as part of a premium priced tier. Listed below are some potential new features ideas. Please let us know if you are extremely, very, moderately, somewhat or not at all interested in each of the ideas. Social Viewing: Set up a “movie theater mode” to watch virtually with friends or participate in a live event on Facebook where you can chat with other fans Ratings / Comment System: Ability to “rate” shows or matches (e.g. 0 – 5 stars), add comments, or mark “favorite” moments Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality: The ability to watch current or historic WWE content in a way that makes it seem as if you are actually sitting ringside and experiencing an event, such as WrestleMania, live and in person, using special computer generated effects and equipment like a headset Download To Go: Ability to download content and watch “offline” Social Sharing: Ability to share playlists, clips, or favorites on social media (Facebook, YouTube, etc.) Personalization: Ability to create custom playlists and change the look and feel of your WWE Network interface with options that represent your favorite WWE Era and Superstars Alternate Viewing Options: The ability to watch WWE in-ring shows using alternate camera choices (e.g. gorilla cam, drone cam, Go-Pro camera), 360 views or select higher or lower resolution options Alternate Audio: Choose your favorite pay-per-view commentator team - for instance, you can hear “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Jerry Lawler call a live pay-per-view WWE is also considering special benefits and perks that would be offered as part of a WWE Network premium priced tier. Listed below are some potential new ideas for subscriber perks. Please let us know if you are extremely, very, moderately, somewhat or not at all interested in each of the ideas. Preferred Pricing: Special offers for WWE VIP events and products including Meet & Greet discount packages and special offers on products from WWE sponsors Early Access to New Merchandise: Exclusive early access to new WWE merchandise on WWEShop.com, such as T-shirts and hats, before it goes on sale to the public Loyalty Program: Get rewards such as t-shirts, collectibles and ticket upgrades using loyalty points earned from the length of time you have been a WWE Network premium subscriber or your time spent viewing Fan Voting: Special opportunities to vote on match participants, Hall of Fame inductees, Slammys winner, or other WWE events Monthly “inside WWE Headquarters” Conference Call: Ability to listen in to a conference call with WWE executives such as Triple H or Stephanie McMahon Sweepstakes Entries: Automatic sweepstakes entry to win WWE event tickets, VIP meet-ups, merchandise, or unique WWE experiences such as a chance to appear on a Network show Get Breaking News First: Be the first to receive WWE breaking news, before it’s posted on social media, WWE.com or shared with other outlets Early Access to Live Event Tickets: Exclusive early access to live event tickets before going on sale to the public Free Shipping: Free shipping on WWEshop.com orders

Absolutely one of the all-time greats. This is gutting.

If Jarrett does indeed have a drinking problem, and that's the conclusion I came to as well based on the evidence, the person you really have to feel most sorry for is Karen - she went through this with Kurt Angle, and now possibly Jarrett too.

Not that I believe this, but Cena vs. Taker at WM is a plausible reason why they're hotshotting Cena vs. Roman now instead of at WM where a match like that belongs.

JBL's departure was supposedly in the works since October 2016, before the Mauro situation began. https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2017/09/04/jbl-quits-commentary-wwe-smackdown-live And Nigel is replacing Graves on 205 Live and Main Event.

Low-Ki is someone I would never, ever hire - no matter how good he is in the ring - because someone who flames out so spectacularly everywhere he goes isn't worth the effort of bringing in.

What happened exactly with Richie Steamboat exactly? What a shame. If this is true, you think dumbass DeMott would've known better than to bully a wrestler's kid. Ryback is the dumbest oaf and meathead on the planet. He blocked me on Twitter for...I don't know what? I never tweeted anything bad to or about the guy. That's not why he's a meathead and oaf - I'm just adding new evidence to support what we all already know. Mark Carrano seems like kind of a smirking dick on Total Divas, but that doesn't really mean anything. When Janes Geddes was still in the picture, he seemed like her harmless errand boy on the show, so I think those roles change on depending on what's needed.

John Layfield · @JCLayfield 1st Sep 2017 from TwitLonger Tweet After much consideration, I will be stepping back my weekly role as Smackdown Announcer to dedicate more continuous time on the work I have done since 2010 with at risk kids and communities. My new schedule will allow me to continue to be a part of the WWE family and also continue my work that I feel is the most important thing in my life. I will continue my 20+ year relationship with WWE and will appear on such marquee shows as Tribute to the Troops, WrestleMania, amongst others. With the help of Beyond Sport, I founded Beyond Rugby Bermuda in 2010--which has been recognized as one of the world's best charities for work with at risk, gang focused, youth intervention. Beyond Rugby Bermuda won the 2014 NACRA Fair Play Award out of 7,000 programs and 17 countries for its work with at risk kids. I was named as a Beyond Sport Global Ambassador--an organization backed by all major sports leagues in the U.S. I'm proud to say that in addition to being Smackdown's longest reigning WWE Champion, I inspired WWE's Tribute to the Troops over 10 years ago. WWE has been my partner in all my philanthropic works and this new deal with WWE ensures that will continue. WWE has made my dreams come true and helped me become a global name. And now, WWE is helping me use that name to make a difference. https://twitter.com/JCLayfield/status/903757644481126400

Who was this? I get the feeling that NXT is very backward and bush league when it comes to certain expected standards of quality backstage. For example, I heard Tyson Kidd's injury was handled very poorly. I can't remember where I heard that though - maybe a bitter Bret rant? But still.

I was excited when I saw... Only to be immediately deflated when it turned out to be...

Bennett was DOA from the moment he arrived on PPV. Worst debut ever. At least Gobbledygooker was memorable.

The problem with the Roman promo is that "Cena buries people," "golden shovel," etc. is straight out of IWC 2010. Do most people still believe that about Cena? IMO, no. It's outdated, like most everything the WWE eventually embraces.

I'm still going through the first round. I've watched two of the four episodes so far. ***SPOILERS BELOW*** for the first two episodes. I was shocked that Marti Belle lost, because she was featured on Bracketology, and isn't the unwritten rule that those wrestlers tend to go far? I guess this explains why. Also, I'm sure everyone else has already figured it out, but I was wondering why she used Rachel Evers instead of Ellering. Well, as it turns out, she was trained by Lance Storm (Evers), so it's a nice nod to that. Yeah, I was even more shocked that she lost. Biggest upset so far? Abby Laith wasn't bad or anything, but how do you not see the potential in Jazzy? Was really hoping for an eventual Jazzy Gabert-Shayna Baszler match.

Update on the J.R. book/Scott E. Williams controversy mentioned a page or two ago: https://www.facebook.com/JimRossBBQ/photos/a.1576929229237487.1073741828.1576841069246303/1897355670528173/?type=3

The Mae Young Classic Bracketology was fantastic - really got me pumped up for the tourney. Don't sleep on it! BTW, the one former Marine really reminds me of Liberty Belle from Netflix's GLOW.

He'll save that for the face turn.

Two very important questions for you, MoS: 1. How do you and the other 1.3 billion people in Jinder Mahal's home country of India really feel about the Modern Day Maharaja as your WWE Champion? 2. When Jinder Mahal speaks to those 1.3 billion people in his native language of Punjabi, what is he actually saying?

A great post, Thread. I agree with you that Itami has been an absolute disaster in NXT. Whatever he had that was special as KENTA is now gone, assuming it was ever there in the first place (I've never seen a KENTA match, admittedly). I was into his mini-feud with Kassius Ohno though (really wish they had dropped that stupid name into a ditch when Hero came back). I think Ohno vs. Itami should've been at TakeOver instead. BTW, I never knew Itami was on the juice, but the "steroidal bitch tits" he was sporting at TakeOver make a whole lot more sense now.

Fair enough if you "hate, hate, hate" Mauro, but... How do you know this? Were you there? No. With that said, I agree people were quick to jump to conclusions about JBL - but what you posted in the quote above is also jumping to a massive conclusion.

What's sad is that I don't remember anything from Great Balls of Fire, much less what Roman did, which tells you how bloated and over-saturated these PPVs/"Network Specials" have become.

What is the story here?